8 Examples of Commodification
                     8 Examples of Commodification
Estimating the value of objects is both useful and necessary for the 
growth of a community, establishing trades, and strengthening 
relations with neighboring cities or even nations. Since the dawn of 
civilization, humans have been keen on putting an estimate on 
different items. For instance, before the implementation of a fixed 
currency, the barter system was considered supreme despite its 
drawbacks. It is not surprising that as we grew as a species, we 
started considering different aspects of our lives as merely a 
commodity.
What is Commodification?
As mentioned in the introduction, commodities are essential for us, and it doesn’t 
come as a surprise that certain items simply do not hold a market value. 
Therefore, new markets are specifically created surrounding the values of different 
cultures, along with human needs. As for the term commodification, it is referred to 
the process by which something, whether it be an item, skill, experience, animal, 
or person, is turned into a commodity. Interestingly, not everything is considered a 
commodity because if something is traded for a profit, only then it is labeled as a 
commodity.
Examples of Commodification
1. Food Industry
2. Technology
3. Holidays
4. Experience
5. Work Force
6. Education
7. Products
8. Animals
Food Industry
If we look at the demographics before the 19th century and even the early years of the 
20th century, it is evident that a majority of the population was involved in farming, if they 
were not directly farming themselves, they were at the very least associated with it. This 
meant a majority of the food was being produced by the end-user, resulting in little 
margins of profit in it. While food has always been a commodity, to say it was 
commodified in the previous times would be an overstatement. Presently, the food 
industry is governed by the private sector, which translates to the company setting the 
price of certain food items, and the farmer is not able to sell their product over the market 
price despite the difference in the quality of their produce. Additionally, fast-food chains 
are a prime example of food commodification, as “food” in such establishments is only 
considered an item to be traded for profit.
Technology
Two decades ago, technology was considered something that could never be 
commodified because each product was unique that had its own pros and cons. 
People were keen on distinguishing the good products from the bad, but this isn’t 
the case anymore. Smartphones were once considered the pinnacle of technology 
and each person bought a device based on personal value; however, with a 
drastic surge in the production of these devices and their availability at different 
price points, these are now merely considered commodities. Nowadays, the only 
distinguishing factor is the price point. The same goes for computers, particularly 
when they are purchased in large quantities by businesses.
Holidays
Generally, holidays are not considered commodities, as each culture holds 
different significance for holidays because of certain festivals; however, if we look 
at the trends from the previous decade, the commodification of holidays is evident. 
By capturing the essence of a holiday, it is being commodified to trade in personal 
and cultural value for profits. Items such as decoration, lighting, and sweets, along 
with the concept of gift-giving, have become a crucial part of festive celebrations. 
Therefore, holidays are commodified by making the mentioned processes 
necessary to celebrate.
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